Why Teens Feel Misunderstood & How Parents Can Reconnect (Ft. Sana Kheiri)

We are kicking off season 3 of with a new episode of Dil Ki Recipes by Dr. Sheeza Mohsin! Today, I sit down with Sana Kheiri, CPC, ELI-MP, CPDS — a certified coach who helps South Asian families raise emotionally aware and compassionate teens.Together, we unpack why Desi parents often misunderstand their teenagers, how emotional energy shapes daily interactions, and what it looks like to move from control to connection.Whether you're a parent overwhelmed by constant conflict or a teen caught between two worlds, this episode offers practical and culturally grounded insights into:Understanding your teen’s emotional energyShifting from blame to belongingBreaking generational patterns around achievement and respectCreating safe spaces for emotional honesty💬 Guest: Sana Kheiri (@claritycoaching)🌐 yourclaritycoach.net📖 Also mentioned: Dr. Sheeza’s book Behind Closed Doors available here: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Closed-Doors-Emotional-conflicting/dp/1661168493 ⏱ TIMESTAMPS:0:46 – Who is Sana Kheiri?2:48 – What “energy” means in coaching3:39 - Energy levels: survival mode vs. awareness/compassion4:24 - What parents should notice about their teenagers' energy5:02 - South Asian families and duty/achievement-focused energy6:18 – How to shift from blame to connection in parent-teen relationships7:42 – Desi teens and the exhaustion of code-switching8:01 - Case example: 16-year-old girl hiding herself to avoid disappointing mom8:41 - Programming kids to disconnect emotionally9:17 - Importance of asking open-ended questions9:56 - Parents misreading teen behavior as rejection10:54 - Stigma around working with coaches/therapists in Desi community11:33 – Stigma around therapy and coaching13:00 - Perfectionism in Desi culture ("nothing to fix")15:48 - Guiding parents: moving from control to curiosity16:49 – How to ask better questions as a parent17:10 - Balancing "we" of culture and "me" of individual identity17:46 - Homes as places of belonging vs. places of performance19:49 – Telling kids “I understand how hard it is”20:06 - Kids challenged by social belonging, not academics22:05 - The word "respect" in Desi culture22:45 – Red flags: When kids seem “too perfect”23:52 - Respect is earned vs. given based on age24:33 - Treating children with respect at home and in public24:50 - Final message for teenagers: "Your worth isn't measured by approval" 🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email [email protected]🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platformProduced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com